Guide for UAE Residents: Understanding E-Visas for GCC Countries: Explaining Validity, Required Documents & the Application Process

Maryam Pervez -

The GCC countries, taking a cue from the widespread European Schengen visa system, have all agreed to introduce a unified tourist permit. This special visa will make it easier for people from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait to travel between these countries without any restrictions.

Even though the new unified visa is still being set up, citizens of GCC countries can still travel freely without needing a visa. Also, residents from other countries can use convenient e-visa services for their travels.

Here's a simple explanation of how to apply for an e-visa in each Gulf nation:

Saudi Arabia

UAE citizens can visit Saudi Arabia for tourism without needing a visa. But for residents, there's an option to apply for an e-visa. This e-visa is valid for 1 year and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. There are two types of e-visas: single-entry and multiple-entry. The fee for a single entry visa is Dh452.

Requirements:

  • Passport (it should be valid for at least six months after getting the e-Visa)
  • ID card
  • Bank details
  • Accommodation details (optional)
  • A small photo with a white background
  • Email address
  • Information about your guardians, like their phone number, address, and ID, especially if you're underage, need medical help, or have a disability.
  1. Go to the official Saudi Arabia eVisa portal or visit https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/.
  2. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
  3. Fill out the online application form with correct details.
  4. Upload scanned copies of your passport and a recent photo that meets the requirements.
  5. Upload a digital copy of your valid UAE visa or residency permit and give your residential details.
  6. Check all the information to make sure it's correct.
  7. Provide any necessary medical information and choose one of the medical insurance options.
  8. Pay the visa fee online using the available payment methods.
  9. Wait for an email notification of approval, which will include your e-visa if it's approved.

Oman


UAE citizens can go to Oman without needing a visa, but residents have the choice to get an e-visa. You can apply for this visa online on the Royal Oman Police website, and it lets you stay for 28 days. If you need more time, you can extend your visa for an extra week. The visa costs OMR 5.

Required documents:

  1. Valid Passport: Make sure you have a scanned copy of your passport. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to enter Oman.
  2. Passport Photo: You'll need a recent photo with a white background.
  3. Resident Permit: Have a copy of your valid residence permit. It should still be valid when you enter Oman.

Visa application process:

  • Go to the Royal Oman Police (ROP) eVisa website. Look for the option to apply for a tourist visa at the bottom.
  • Create an account by providing your email address, setting a password, and stating your nationality. Make sure to verify your account.
  • Click on "Apply for visa" and then "Apply for unsponsored visa." Fill out the online visa application form with all the required details.
  • Upload digital copies of your passport, photo, and any supporting documents as needed.
  • Pay the visa fee online using the provided payment methods.
  • Wait for an email notification of approval. If your visa is approved, the email will include your e-visa.

Qatar

Qatar allows visa-free entry for nationals from 102 countries, while others can apply for an e-visa using the Hayya platform online.

Residents can choose between a 90-day or 30-day visit visa for Qatar, depending on their passports. UAE residents needing a Qatar e-visa will pay QAR 100.

The process for the Qatar e-Visa application is simple. It involves three easy steps: filling out the application form with personal and travel details, uploading required documents in PDF format, and making the payment for processing the application.

Required documents:

  • Proof of Accommodation in Qatar: This could be a hotel booking or your host's address.
  • Details of Return (or Onward) Travel
  • Copy of Passport: Make sure it's valid for at least six months.
  • Copy of Residence Permit or Visa: This should be from one of the eligible countries mentioned above and should be valid for at least 30 days.
  • Documents Showing Employment Status and Occupation

Visa application process:

  • Go to the official website of the Qatar Ministry of Interior's Qatar e-Visa portal.
  • Register for an account or log in if you already have one.
  • Fill out the online visa application form with all the required details.
  • Upload digital copies of your passport, photo, and supporting documents.
  • Pay the visa fee online using the provided payment gateway.
  • Once processed, you'll receive the e-visa via email.

Bahrain

Bahrain provides different visit visas designed to suit the residency status and length of stay for both GCC residents and visitors. These include:

  1. Two-week single-entry visa for GCC residents
  2. One-month multiple-entry visa for GCC visitors
  3. Three-month multiple-entry visa for GCC residents
  4. One-year multiple-entry visa for GCC residents

Each visa type has its own conditions and validity period. Additionally, Bahrain offers on-arrival visa services for eligible individuals. Visa fees vary depending on the duration of the visit.

Required terms of service:

  • The applicant must be outside Bahrain when applying for this visa.
  • The applicant must have had a current resident permit of a GCC country for at least 3 months.
  • The applicant's resident permit for a GCC country must be valid for at least another 3 months.
  • Applicants with GCC resident permits should not have laborer occupations.
  • The visa is issued and paid online.

Validity conditions:

  • If the visa expires before entry to Bahrain, the applicant must apply again and pay another fee.

Entry conditions:

  • The applicant must not engage in any paid or unpaid employment during the visit to Bahrain.
  • The passport must be valid for at least six months.

Required documents:

  • Copy of the applicant’s passport (Family Page and any additional information page).
  • Copy of GCC residence permit valid for 3 months.
  • Copy of a valid confirmed return air ticket.
  • Copy of hotel booking in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Alternatively, if staying with a relative/friend, provide a copy of their ID reader's print out.

Visa application process:

  • Visit the official eVisa Bahrain website: https://www.evisa.gov.bh/.
  • Select the type of visa needed (tourist, business, etc.).
  • Fill out the online application form with accurate information.
  • Upload scanned copies of your passport, photograph, and any other requested documents.
  • Pay the visa fee using the available online payment options.
  • Receive the e-visa confirmation via email once it's approved.

Kuwait


Travelers with a valid UAE passport can enter Kuwait without needing a visa. However, if you hold a foreign passport and a GCC residency card, you must get an e-visa before traveling to Kuwait. This rule applies to all foreigners living in the UAE. The e-visa issued by the Kuwait portal allows stays of up to 30 days.

The application process for the Kuwait online visa for UAE residents is fast and straightforward. It involves providing basic personal details, passport information, and answering some security questions.

Requirements:

  1. Eligibility: Individuals applying for a Kuwait visa from Dubai and the UAE must be either:

    - A resident of the UAE with a GCC residency permit valid for at least 6 months.
    - A national of one of the eligible countries listed below.
  2. Passport Validity: The applicant's passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.
  3. Security: There should be no security restrictions preventing the applicant from entering Kuwait.
  4. Visa Compliance: Visitors must adhere to all conditions of their visa while in Kuwait. Those who have violated visa terms in the past, such as overstaying, may be denied a new visa.

Visa application process:

  • Fill out the online application form for the Kuwait e-visa.
  • Ensure that all information provided matches exactly as per your passport.
  • Upload scanned copies of your passport, photograph, and any other required documents.
  • Pay the visa fee online using the available payment options.
  • Receive the e-visa via email once it's processed and approved.
  • All notifications and updates regarding the Kuwait e-visa will be sent via email after the online application form is submitted.

The processing time for the Kuwait e-visa is typically within 24 hours, except on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays in Kuwait. However, in some cases, applications may take longer, up to three (3) business days, after completing the Kuwait e-visa application form.

News Source: Khaleej Times